🚀 A Licensed Crypto On-Ramp Inside Telegram

Starting today, millions of Uzbek Telegram users can access Crypto Wallet — now officially licensed in the country. The rollout transforms Telegram from a messaging app into a regulated financial gateway for crypto trading and transfers.

The service is designed for newcomers: fast onboarding, built-in fiat on-ramps, and a simple interface that removes friction from crypto adoption.

💳 Card Purchases Through Asterium Integration

Thanks to a partnership with Asterium, users in Uzbekistan can now buy crypto directly with:

• Humo
• Visa
• Mastercard

This positions Uzbekistan as one of the few countries where Telegram’s crypto ecosystem is fully integrated with local payment infrastructure.

📲 What Users Can Do Today

• Trade 200+ assets — from stablecoins to majors like BTC, TON, ETH.
• Store assets securely and participate in rewards programs.
• Send crypto instantly and free to friends and family inside Telegram.
• Access local-language support in Russian and Uzbek.

🔐 Crypto Wallet vs TON Wallet: Custody vs Control

Telegram now effectively supports two paradigms of digital ownership:

Crypto Wallet — custodial

• Private keys stored on the platform.
• No network fees for internal transfers.
• Supports card purchases, rewards, and tokenized products.

TON Wallet — non-custodial

• Users control their private keys.
• Network fees apply.
• Supports NFTs, DApps, and full blockchain autonomy.

The trade-off is familiar: convenience vs sovereignty.

⚠️ Risk Notice: Read Before You Buy

Telegram highlights several risks all users should understand:

• High volatility: crypto prices can move sharply and unpredictably.
• Liquidity risks: market instability can limit the ability to trade.
• No guaranteed returns: past performance is not indicative of future results.
• No investment advice: users must assess risks independently.

🌍 ATH.LIVE Analysis: A Breakthrough Moment for Central Asia

1. A Massive Onboarding Funnel

Telegram is the dominant communication platform in Uzbekistan. Embedding crypto inside an app people already use lowers the barrier to adoption dramatically.

2. Custodial Wallets: The Double-Edged Sword

ATH.LIVE analysts note:

“Custodial wallets are how mass adoption begins — but users must understand the trade-offs.”

Pros:

• frictionless UX,
• free internal transfers,
• no need to manage private keys.

Cons:

• no full control over funds,
• reliance on the platform’s technical and regulatory stability.

3. A Bridge Between Traditional Finance and Web3

By enabling fiat purchases through local cards, Telegram builds a real financial on-ramp that feels native to Uzbek users — a crucial step in emerging markets.